IKEA showroom a.k.a. our apartment

this is our "Wall of ROCK". To the right you find Steve Perry and Elvis. In the middle, is Paul McCartney and Wings. Above Wings is an autographed Yellow Brick Road album. Scattered throughout are various Beatle treasures. We threw in a little Rolling Stones, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews for kicks. Piano lamp- IKEA.

our room. The shelves finally went up about a month ago. They're from IKEA. So is my lamp. And the comforter cover. and Mike's side table. Also, but unseen, our dresser and a chair.

Here's our awesome TV. This is where we watch funny movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and play our Wii! It sits on a tv console from IKEA. The plant to the left of the screen is from IKEA. so is the chair, the boxes, the coffee table. Still not noticing a pattern?

this is our epicenter. the comfortable couch and our AMAZING bookshelf! it's the 5x5 from IKEA! the lamp, side table, candleabras, some photo frames, and painting figures- all IKEA. Obsessed? You have no clue.

Our kitchen. Yummy, fruit. And witty 'the Office' magnets. Our dishes- IKEA. Our dishwasher- GE.

I love the birds. We just hung those. I need to frame another to go on the other side of the nest. They are delightful. Hopefully this will entice us to finally eat dinner at the table. Amazingly, nothing in this photo is from IKEA.

Not ashamed!

it's not thriller, but it's still one of my favorites. I have this one on vinyl too!

I feel angsty.

Mike introduced this to me the other night and now I can only think of this joy:




and this joy:

25 years of amazing

I wasn't even a fetus when Thriller was released in the 80's. I own it on vinyl which means it doesn't come out very often- or never since Mike and I don't have a record player. Now it's twenty-five years old. Amazing how time has crept on and much of his nose has crept off. Regardless, it's amazing. I heart it. It's EVERYWHERE. I need me some "Human Nature", "P.Y.T.", and some "Thriller". The 25th anniversary edition may end up being the first CD I've bought since Silverchair's Young Modern- back in July. yay Thriller!

I've been busy

much to say. little time to do so. pictures and stories coming soon. a taste?

- Peepfest
- apartment
- Praxis II
- my kids
- Circus
- berry crumble
- BFF's??

::fin::

(half a ) Milestone

Another milestone in our relationship:
we've made it to six months. That's exciting!
Those six months have been filled with concerts, family visits, holidays, jobs, food, couple-type fights, friends and neighbors, the GIANTS BEATING the pats, flowers, and thousands of other things that bring joy and laughter to our home.


By the way, it was 70 today. Hello February!

HAAAA!

"I used to love that song. Until you ruined it."

Oh Ben!

thought

while making our food for the super bowl Mike and I listened to a wonderful mix of soft ballads. This included, but is not limited to:
Air Supply
Chicago
Boston
Ambrosia
REO Speedwagon
Foreigner

the list goes on, but here's my thought. Michael McDonald was featured on way too many songs to count. Thus my conclusion:
Michael McDonald is the Timbaland of the 70's and 80's.

ponder

I long for simpler times when a the only problems children had were putting up with annoying classmates, schoolyard 'love', and the fact that mom is "making me eat these gross things (veggies)."

Instead, today, this is what I overhear after a fifth grader tries to get me off track about computers...
girl- "our computer was stolen."
boy- "how does someone walk off with your computer?"
girl- [in a not so discreet voice] "my mom's old boyfriend, that's how"
boy- [stupified silence]




[sigh]

squeal!

after a long hiatus LOST premieres TOMORROW night! (excitement)

it's time for a little jig.

we're going HERE!!

Wien, the capital of Austria, our future destination!

The choral society has accepted an invitation to sing in the Haydn Festival in 2009. We're really excited to be able to travel abroad together. Initially we were going to Italy with TC alums but with the cancellation of that tour this opportunity was open. We've jumped and we can't wait!

I believe Mike will be singing here. This means a saucy dress, high heels, and some gorgeous jewelery.

oooohhhh... ahhhhh.

simply stunning

breathless

Why we love...

Robing Hood: Men in Tights....yes!



just a few reasons why we can't get enough of Mel Brooks:
- lending of a few ears
- ahchoo's backwards cap complete with expander
- blinkin
- archery medals
- lizards
- PATRICK STEWART!!!
- roaming mole
- medieval spelling: D-E-D, dead
- latrine
- large German women named Broomhilde
- "She's got to be kidding."
- guessing?
- musical interludes


ah, the funny.

absurd AND beautiful

I've been meaning to comment on this photo for some time. Mike brought home this ad from the shop and now it resides on our fridge. It is both beautiful and ridiculous. Gorbi in Louis Vuitton, sitting next to Louis Vuitton. Now THAT is a juxtaposition I thought I'd never live to see!

makes me giggle

hilarity WILL ensue

Mike and I plus guest will be attending the Funny or Die tour stop in Chapel Hill for my birthday. Excited... let me put it this way:

zorgas borgas, i just got bit by the love bat
and it's driving me MAADD!

Hello New Year!

and hello friends.

Christmas was a whirlwind time that flew past too quickly. Tickety boo, here I am after my first day back to school. Mike and I began an on-going digital Christmas card. You can view it here. We're pretty proud of it and hope you'll keep up with it, as well as us, for years to come.

At the start of my break we had a good meal with our neighbors. We enjoy their company quite a bit. Then it was on to Mexican with some colleagues. After that much needed social time we were ready for break. We also saw Sweeny Todd and it was brilliant. Johnny Depp- he's the bees knees. The Friday prior to Christmas was spent at Market Street Books for their fifth anniversary festivities. This included (but was not limited to) the piano styling of Eric, food, wassail (Ala me), Christmas story hour, and a visit from Santa for story time. All the while Mike was fighting off a cold of some sort. Fighting it quite poorly I might add. We got home and he ran a high fever for the next two days. I think he's still fighting the phlegm and cough. Poor thing.

Christmas Eve was also spent at Market Street. After a day at the store we headed home to change and then went to Durham. We attended the Duke service which was a lesson of the carols. It was lovely.

Christmas morning was pleasant. It was relaxing and most importantly spent at our own pace. Family time is great but it is a real joy to spend a major holiday without any stress or obligations. Good first Christmas. After all this we headed up to my parents home.

The week continued on with my family, then Mike's family (plus our favorite Rachel), then with Jake in Pittsburgh. Might I say we heart Pittsburgh- a lot. Jake lives a few blocks from Station Square and the incline. Not only does the city have a great skyline but it also has the most terrifying streets known to man. The three of us ate dinner at Fat Heads (delicious by the way) and Jake drove. He deliberately took us the "long" way just so he could drive down the most treacherous road ever. You make the turn onto the street and the road disappears from underneath you. I squealed a little. This could be due to the saw stowed behind my head as well. Overall, great food and thrills.

Now in the midst of all of this craziness we got gifts. Lots of gifts. I'm not going to list them because I hate when people rattle off everything they got. I will say I kept cozy with a new North Face jacket and Mike continued rocking with Guitar Hero III for Wii. If I told you how much we've played GHIII in the last week you'd cry of laughter. That means a lot. I am up to 'medium' playing level which is a huge advancement for me. Mike is having his face eaten by level 'hard'. This is unusual you see because he plays expert on everything else and makes it through the game quickly.

Alrighty, I said I was going to get some work done and I wrote a blog entry. Awesome. Ah well, back to Guitar Hero. Weezer is calling my name. My name is Jonas.

It is done

rejoice! i am now a north carolina resident.

that was an ordeal.

My faves

Market Street's Fifth Anniversary is this month and all sorts of exciting things have been happening for the store. Katherine recently sat down for an interview with American Booksellers Association. Next Friday is the anniversary party. In honor of all this hub-bub, they're collecting lists of "Top 5 Books". Here are mine, in no particular order:

Thanksgiving with the Family

p-u

Mike has been feeling a bit under the weather lately. Recommended to him was eating garlic. Now this makes sense, in normal doses. Well my genius husband decided to eat two cloves, CLOVES, of garlic...two days ago. He just popped the two cloves and it has been bad ever since. Hopefully water and one more day will cure it. HOPEFULLY!!

so productive

I have spent the entire morning being productive and it's completely satisfying. It was refreshing to wake up when i'd normally be greeting my first class of the day. I then was able work on a list of "wifely duties" and even had time to catch up with Martha Stewart making pumpkin pie with Andy Samberg. That boy can make a pie.

My Accomplishments: (i'm such a wife)
dishes (check)
put away dishes (check)
laundry (check)
fold said laundry (check)
pack for holiday (check)
water plants (check)
take out trash (check)
clean kitchen (check)
put away old laundry (check)

this still leaves me a few hours to go to the gym, clean up, and play Super Mario Galaxy*!
my life is finally in order. **


*i know you're SO jealous. it's a wicked game and i have to say I'm pretty much the most awesome wife for buying it for my husband. there. i said it. i'm awesome.
** .38 special: hold on loosely is on my mind now. thank you VH1 classic.

Hello November

no way. i'm sitting here working on things for school and of course i have the television on for white noise. i was trying to find a good program and what do i come across? why, SNORKS! what? oh my goodness. i haven't seen this in ages! i have fond memories of watching this with my smurfs on saturday mornings. i loved this show. did you know both shows were based on Belgian comics?!

wow, what a strange show. i mean these things propel themselves through the water with the snorkles on their heads. I forgot about that. weird. this show was much better when i was four or five.

however, after watching for awhile i am tempted to leave the Snork's in my childhood. goodbye.

RIDICULOUS!

"The eyes are the groin of the head." --Dwight

"I'm going to be a bluncle!" --Turk

"Who's the main character?" --Toby

"Angela?...no wait, the ashes?" --Jim

seeing Colin Hay come out instead of a baby.

"I don't know! Sometimes you chill fat!" --Mike to me

"There's nothing like throwing out a caddy and running down some hos." --Dr. Kelso

Take a moment

Robert Goulet: 1933-2007

First Halloween

Our first of firsts as "marrieds". We gutted. We carved. We now have awesome carved pumpkins. Mike kept with his Jason theme. I however carved Steve Perry (yes i know it looks like a girl), legendary rock god. We still have a dream of owning a Corgi and naming him Steve Perry. What can I say? We heart Journey. And Steve Perry.

Halloween at the Market

"Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story."
::Mason Cooley::

The bewitching week has begun and Mike and I got a head start on Saturday evening at Market Street Books. Saturday morning was spent rummaging Chapel Hill for bits and pieces of what would become our costumes.

I, of course, had a terrible time figuring out what I wanted to be. Seeing as I haven't dressed up for Halloween in six or so years I was uneasy about being thrown back in to this creative whirlwind. When I was younger it was so much easier. During my early years I was a ballerina, a bride, a clown (once or twice), a witch (more than once), a fairy, and a fatigue-clad marine.

My tween years saw such costumes as a bobby soxer, day and night woman- complete with half face cream/makeup and curlers. I even resorted to Charlie Chaplin for several years and a medieval princess. I have to say, I was pretty proud of the Chaplin getup. He's my favorite.

But now that I've been out of the game for so long, it was difficult to bring my A-game. It didn't happen.

Mike, after our viewing of Friday the 13th: Part VI Jason Lives, became obsessed with being Jason for the Halloween shindig. By the way, I totally called every death in the movie. (Like it's hard, but whatever). And secondly, eww.

So, here are some photos of the scary yet endearing JasonMike. Oh, and me as a golfer/school marm. Not sure what I was going for, but i got to carry a golf club some of the time.

scary Jason.

the softer side of Jason.

Arnold Palmer, eat your heart out!

my doing

there are things...

that you never want to hear come out of your husband's mouth:

-"Honey, I want a divorce."
- "Oops, turns out I fathered another baby."
- "This printer is sexy."

Oh, wait. Turns out my nightmare has been confirmed by the utterance of the last quote. I kid you not.

returning to a love

There are times that you become so busy with life that the small (and wonderful) stuff gets side lined. After the women folk left yesterday and Mike worked, I had the chance to rekindle my love affair with the Beatles. I have had a passionate relationship with them since I was ten or eleven. Frightful how long ago that was, right? Right. It started so long ago that I don't remember how it started. I can, however, tell you it began before the Anthology series was released. I am no fair weather fan. My favorite song is probably Eleanor Rigby. The haunting string arrangement has always moved me. One strong memory comes from my eighth grade year. A quartet from my first high school came and played for our orchestra class and they played Eleanor Rigby. I'm pretty sure I was the only one in the class that knew what the song was. I have several favorites and they include little known Hey Bulldog and Norwegian Wood. I love any song in which the sitar is played, and I am not a fan of the album Revolver. I understand the importance of their Mercy beat days and their restraint on George Martin when they could. Their music is in me, it's part of me. I'm glad to have revisited it again. I hope I hold onto it for a while.

on the gross side

nothing has bothered me more in a while than the phrase

"i prefer chin meat."


don't question it. it's not worthy.

an atypical day

Under normal circumstances I get to school around quarter after seven and my first class comes at ten after eight. Due to unforseen circumstances I didn't have a class until 10.30. I may have had to work on Columbus Day when countless folk had the day off, but enjoying three hours of work time plus my lunch break- priceless!

uh, what?

So, our new friends next door are great. Young, fun, similar in lives and such. Just how similar, Si almost went to Grove City and he had a cousin who went there. He knows exactly how desolate Grove City is. Go figure. We're everywhere!

Astounding

A remarkable things happened this evening. I was buying some cheapy cheap scissors for my kids to replace some sad safety ones. While I was in line I got to chatting with the lady behind me. Surprised by the rather large pile of scissors she asked if I was a teacher. Here's where it becomes astounding. This blissfully random stranger gave me five dollars to pay for the 25 cents per pair scissors. She said she had two sisters who were teachers and understood what we go through for our kids. It was amazing. What do you say to this? I was speechless and she would not let me turn it down. Astounding.

Humanity, it's still there.

quickly now

"Fact: It is hard to move one piano
Fact: It is harder to move five pianos"
::The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven::

Fact: To day Michael and I went to Mayberry a.k.a Mt. Airy

Fact: I bought four bottles of taste-tested wines from said Mayberry

Fact: I can not whistle to save my life

Fact: I am a bit office obsessed! I mean, did you see the season premiere?!

drop everything you are doing, RIGHT NOW

whoa.

Mike and I had our minds blown last night. Murd, I think you might have an aneurysm and die if you see this. it's that good!

Nick Jr. has recently introduced a new show to generation 'ADD/ADHD'. It's title? Yo Gabba Gabba. No joke. It's target audience? Ages 1 and up. Yep, ONE. The age where you're still running around in diapers and pointing to things that aren't mommy or daddy but lableing them as such anyway. Regardless, it is only THE best show on television. And now, thanks to Time Warner digital cable and our fancy DVR we will be able to watch every delicious episode. Delicious you ask. Yes, very much so. Why? Please click on the link below to see only one small glimmer of it's wonderment...

It's dancey dance time

WHAT!! Wasn't that fabulous?! And Elijah Wood. Where did that come from? I think Mike and I will start doing daily dancey dance routines with Yo Gabba Gabba. Want another bite? Are you sure you want another taste? Whoa, you must really be into Yo Gabba Gabba, huh? Well, alright then. Time for Biz's beat of the Day. MY NAME IS OSKAR! I LIKE TO DANCE!!!

i know you're addicted now. am i right? of course i'm right! uh-you're welcome.

Give "the Top" his props

just a small change....while watching the Soup (with special guest Truck-asaurus).... soo meaty.

well, well, well...

...look who finally has internet access!!! i'll write this weekend when i don't have to get up at 5.40 (seriously).

look at this awesome family we have!! so great to have them there.

Mrs. Arnold only looks upset. I promise.

getting ready for the big day. bring the noise.

it's been quite a while

and my week is just one hellish ball of chaos...CHAOSSSSS!!!

luckily Mike is here to help me out- a ton. This week alone:
- rented a storage unti
- moved his 'life' into a 2x8x6 ft. space
- moved/moving my 'life' into the rest of the 7x8 storage space
- wrote a fabulous presentation on severe/profound disabled strategies for art
- had a tiny insignificant breakdown because i'm SOOOOO stressed right now
- worked on wedding thing after wedding thing
- have i mentioned i worked on wedding things
- (only 8 more days!!!!) a week from tomorrow!!!!!!!!!
- CSI became my new best friend (not replacing Dustin or Mike, of course)

so...rundown please:
- our lives our packed away or in suitcases
- we'll be in PA monday to get our marriage license
- i'm getting Mike's unibrow waxed!
- i'll be on my way to licensure for art because i'm DONE, i'm done, i'm done, i'm done, I'M DONE!!!!

Look at me gooooooo

some lovely ladies in my life threw me a garden party themed shower. they are just a few of the greatest joys and blessings in my life. even though this was not the first shower it was still difficult to not be humbled by the generosity of my church family. you ask for all of these things that may or may not be necessary for your new life, yet i am completely surprised when anyone gets me anything. i am a girl who needs gratification. not in an ego-centric way, oh look at me, I'm terrific, aren't i the best. No, i just like to feel appreciated for my efforts. Sometimes i feel as if i haven't made much of an effort. then i have a 'duh' moment (like this shower) and realise i have had an impact somewhere along the line.

It was a wonderful time of fellowship and we were able to laugh it a lot. It was so special being able to spend time with the women who mean the most in my life. What blessings!

Some pictures:

Ms. Sheila- my other mom

this is the other Amy Martin i know (left) and Rhonda, who thought I was marrying Kyle.

for the happy campers!

The traditional Fourth of July party at the Stranahan's was Friday. We were there last year and i sadly missed it this year. When I talked to Mike he told me that everyone had been asking where I was, which was a huge surprise to me. Kevin even picked out his outfit just because he wanted to know what I would say about it. (He's a fun guy and we had some good laughs last year about his hat). Not to mention Rob and all his hilarity, I mean this is a mid-20's man with the cutest wiener dog in the world, named Slash. Yes, Slash. I'm a lucky girl, what can I say. Next year I'll get to experience the ribaldry again, only I'll be married and it will be fabulous!

John and the black santa

Buns and Slash (he's the black one)

More, as of late

a pictoral representation of the last month or so of my life:

(i'm bringing pictures back, yeah)

spent the fourth with this gal and her hubby

crazy tower of oreos- straight from the package!

one of my millions of projects

a relish jar FULL of sweet tea

one of my many showers...that's Gina (she's great)

IIIrd Time Out (and no, I'm not spelling it incorrectly.)

this was my corner of the world for a year...i was semi important you know

this hangs in our livingroom. this is the one thing Murd was sure I wouldn't let her display. she was wrong, very wrong.

Oy!

This goes for everything....

This week has been super slow. Boo. I'm not a fan. Clearly last week was awesome because it's so far behind me now. This week is old and lame. Time to move on. At least I now have a good idea of how to plan my classes. In fact that's what I'm avoiding right now! Funny how that works. (I disdain lesson planning)

My neck is crunchy. Yes, crunchy. I was in J. Crew yesterday and I must have adored a short with too much enthusiasm because I strained a neck muscle and now it's CRUNCHY. Whoa. And now I can't throw my head wildly in laughter for fear of the pain. Terrible, I know.

Katie and Travis get married Saturday! That is v. exciting for them and I can't believe it's already 7.7.07. I wish them great luck, joy, and many blessings. What fun kids!

Saturday I went to the pool. Then a kid pooped in it and that was the end of my day at the pool.

Still v. unemployed. T-minus 28 days and neither of us are gainfully employed. YIKES!!!! does not even begin to cover it. I do have an interview on Monday. Here's the catch: It's a position at a BED elementary school. Specifically BED + elementary could = mad craziness. Plus it's only one day a week. Complete bummer there. Though, I'm still checking it out and trying to keep positive. Sadly, every time I talk on the phone about not having a job I cry like a baby (but hide it well enough). We'll see where this goes.

My fan makes my ears do strange things. I don't know if this has happened to you, but every once in a while the air pressure in my room changes so much that it creates a back and forth sensation in my ears. Sort of like the vibraphone things. Is that correct? It goes back and forth, making it difficult to hear- it's like going deaf for a few seconds. V. strange indeed.

I just finished The Devil in the White City. If you have not read this book go out right now (and I mean right now) and purchase a copy. It is the best written historical book I've ever read. I'm sure some History snobs would have something to say about that, but I've read a ton of historical books and none compare. This was such an in depth and exciting book. It really drew me in and I could hardly wait to get back to it every night. Honestly it reads like a novel, but it's a historical book. Ooh, it's about the 1893 Columbian Exposistion held in Chicago. V. interesting. Not to spoil the book but Erik Larson reminds us of the things we take for granted today that were only introduced that year- and some of the connections and stories are top notch. Really a top book. Everyone should read!

T-minus 28 days!!!!!!! I am really, really, really ready to marry that Michael kid. Luckily I have the distractions of this five week course. While it lends to active work and not too much slack time I still have to finish up wedding things AND find a job all at the same time. Everyone in class thinks I'm crazy but super organized. I just nod in agreement. Some other wedding blips:
- Still is back in the Best Man shoes (yay!)
- I pick up my gown soon!
- I have been obsessing lately about whether this is going to turn out nice in the end or not. (Not sure where it's all coming from though)
- My daddy rented his tux. Talking to my pastor about my dad giving me away made me cry a little. I won't lie :)
- I've lost 30 lbs. I'm awesome.
- You do NOT want to see the list of things I have to get done in the next three weeks. YIKES again!!!
- I'm just getting anxious now and realizing I'll be Mrs. Michael Lyle v. soon. I can not wait to see my love (only two and half weeks until he gets here.)


Ok, I have much more to write about- but in another entry soon my friends. soon.

Ah the Nature of the Learner

This past week was my first week of PAL classes. What does that mean...it means I'm on my way to having a license. I had class everyday from 9 until 4 or so and anyone who had intersession now has nothing on me, because i'm starting my second of five weeks of class. And yes, every week is a 3 credit course. Suh-weet! Here's a taste of my week:

A three page autobiography
My philosophy of education

A reflection paper on Kohlberg

A Collage of my favorite teacher

A reflection paper on Benjamin Bloom

A book report on Howard Gardner's Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

(all of these things we done the first two days- outside of class.)

An artifact depicting Bloom's taxonomy with presentation

Final group project with three elements- a cultural exposition, something about the nature of the learner, and a newsletter on self-esteem and parental involvement.

Needless to say, I was fricking busy. Oh well. The class went well and it's done. This week I'm onto planning and instruction. Luckily we do have the Fourth off. I'll be heading over to Raleigh to see some friends and take in a symphony concert. Hmmm...how similar to just one year ago (only this time I won't be getting engaged).

Off to class...

I know you wanted more on the wedding.

A few weeks back Mike and I traveled to Grove City for a myriad of wedding things. One highlight of the trip was meeting the photographer I had hired and finally having our engagement pictures taken. There's a link. And a password. (It's elizabeth). Enjoy the pictures. We have!

"On the cusp"

This past weekend I traveled to my parents home to take care of some final wedding preparations. We met with Alfy for the third and final time. Alfy, by the by, is my pastor from home. Along with finishing our booklet o'marriage we discussed actual ceremony details. Up until this point, even now, I can't believe that our wedding is really only six weeks away. Typing this out makes everything a little more real. I have little time left to get everything done. Next Monday I begin my summer classes and once that starts the weeks will fly. My days will no longer be filled with work in the the morning, the gym, a shower, a little food, and then everything I couldn't get done at work and relaxation but will be replaced with 9-4 classes, the gym, food, and massive amounts of work. Let me put it to you this way, GCC intersession will have nothing on me. My life will not be a life but a routine. Then suddenly it will be the end of July which means moving out of my apartment (hopefully into one of our own), and then our wedding a week later.

Last night Mike and I drove to Richmond to visit one of the groomsmen. I finally left around 10.30- which was a bad decision on my part seeing as I got home around 3.30- realizing that the next time I see Michael we'll be a week away from being married. Huge! Amazing! I want these next few weeks to fly, but at the same time I want to enjoy them. I won't, but it's ok- I'm that closer to marrying a truly wonderful man. For that, I am excited.

We meet again...

Well hello old friend...it's been a long time.

I will get to bigger and better things, but first a moment for (thank you Will Arnett):

An Open Apology To Mother Earth

I admit I have not been recycling
In fact I have been openly encouraging people to be wasteful
I often go to other people’s recycling bins
And throw them into the regular trash

I own thirty stretch limousine hummers
And I keep them all running even when I am sleeping
I always dump my unused paint
Directly into the ocean

But I am truly sorry, because

Earth you’re a wonderful wonderful planet
Earth you’re a wonderful wonderful planet
Earth you’re a wonderful wonderful planet
I’m gonna be a better boyfriend to you.